Residents thank board for Fairview South renovation and criticize district legal spending in public comments

During the citizens forum at the Elmbrook School District Board meeting on Oct. 13, two residents addressed the board about Fairview South and district transparency.

Leanne Weed opened by thanking board members and district staff who supported the renovation and reopening of Fairview South. "Their legacy includes this important investment in our children," she said, and singled out Angie Pingle for years of advocacy to preserve the school.

Angie Pingle, who has frequently spoken at board meetings in support of Fairview South, thanked the board for attending the ribbon-cutting and praised the renovated space. She then raised concerns about a recent lawsuit and the district’s handling of it. Pingle said that, based on records she obtained through an open-records request, she reviewed more than $85,000 in billing by the district’s attorneys in a case the district ultimately lost. She said the plaintiff’s counsel’s billed amount was $13,247.33. Pingle asked the board what the district’s conduct in the lawsuit teaches students about accountability and transparency.

District staff present noted that insurance covered the majority of the district’s costs. Board members did not take any formal action during the citizens forum; the comments were recorded for the public record.

Ending: Both speakers framed their remarks around community stewardship: Weed noted the partnership between the district and community arts organizations; Pingle pressed the board for clearer transparency around litigation costs and decisions.